A series of six earthquakes, with the largest measuring 7.7 in magnitude, struck central Myanmar at 12:50 PM (local time) on Friday, March 28. The tremors and aftershocks affected parts of Thailand, China, India, Vietnam, and Bangladesh.
The epicenters were located northwest of Sagaing city at depths ranging from 10 to 30 kilometers, according to the United States Geological Survey. Local media in Myanmar have reported at least 25 deaths, but aid agencies fear the final toll could reach into the hundreds, particularly in Myanmar, where the situation remains dire.
Tragedy struck in Myanmar’s Mandalay, where a mosque collapsed while people were inside praying, and a university in the city caught fire. Additionally, a 1,000-bed hospital in Naypyidaw, Myanmar’s capital, has become a “mass casualty area.” In response, Myanmar’s military junta has declared an “emergency” and called for international aid.
The tremors were felt as far as northern Thailand, where some metro and rail services in the capital were temporarily suspended. Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra convened an “urgent meeting” to address the crisis, also declaring a state of “emergency” in the city.
Rescue teams have initiated large-scale operations to search for survivors, but the situation remains critical. Reports indicate widespread destruction, including collapsed buildings and severely damaged infrastructure, particularly in the Mandalay region.
Additionally, roads between Mandalay and Yangon have been damaged, further hindering the efforts to deliver aid and assistance.
